Monday, December 6, 2010

We decided our weekend runs would be trails for awhile. We are kindof tired of our feet pounding on the pavement. For our first weekend run after the race, we picked the Stimpson family nature reserve trail near Sudden Valley. Dogs and bikes are prohibited on the trail. There are a couple options to run. We ran the main loop trail and combined that with the Geneva pond loop. It ended up being about 4.8. Very hilly and chilly. I forgot to bring my camera on the run, I should have, there was some awesome frost formations and the ponds were frozen over. Very scenic.Here's a link for info. on the Stimpson family reserve trail

Our Seattle 1/2 marathon went really good. We had reservations at the race headquarters hotel, the Westin. We checked in and our room was really nice and the view from the 16th floor was awesome. After we picked up our race packets, we walked to the Tilikum Place cafe' on Cedar st. by the space needle.Link to Tilikum Place Cafe' info.here I have to say it was THE best restaurant food I have ever had. They have a cute window counter table in the bar area that looks out at the street, that was our perch. I highly reccomend eating there and enjoying "our" perch!

The bed!

16th floor view!

We finished the 1/2 marathon in 2 hrs. and 55 mins. and 47 sec's (Dick) 2 hrs. 55 mins. and 48 sec's (me). 4 min.'s faster than I ran last year. It was so nice to run together, and to finish holding hands. Even though he kindof drug me across the finish field! We got to keep our room key as we stayed in the runners block of the hotel. Every finisher got a long sleeved shirt (they all say "Marathon" even thought there was a 1/2 marathon included in the event that day) and medal (these say 1/2 marathon on them - yay!!). After the race, it was nice to walk back to the hotel for a shower and change of clothes. After our 2 hr. drive home we soaked in baths to keep from getting sore and stiff. Dick in an ice bath, I just couldn't bring myself to sit in ice water, so I just filled the tub with cold water. It was a quick recovery for me. I am now back to my regular schedule and after a short time of a tight left calf - Dick is back to his. Our next goal of a pay to enter event will be the Whidbey 1/2 marathon in April.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

My husband and I are on a running adventure together. In September I decided I would set a goal to run a half marathon this year. I tend to keep my exercise more regular if I have a goal in front of me (especially one that I have paid an entry fee to). I had decided on the Nookachamps run in January until......my husband said one day that he would do a training run with me and if we could run six miles, he would sign up as well. Only he decided it would be fun to do the Seattle half marathon the last weekend of November of this year. That shortened my training time but I was very excited to have my running partner back with me.

A little history:
In the 70's my husband & Ralph Vernacchia started the Bellingham Track and Field club (which later became the Greater Bellingham running club), we had great fun alternating our turns running with a measuring wheel to measure distances for runs we created. It was a home project. I made homemade ribbons of construction paper for the participants, and also the monthly newsletter that was sent out. No one complained about the simple ribbons, in fact most thought they were great. We measured out the original Skagit flats marathon course together. Those were great times. We used to run alot. We've both run several marathons in the past, so running a half marathon isn't new for us.

After a long hiatus from running I got back into it last year. My goal was to run the Seattle half marathon (2009) breaking the 3 hr. mark. With the help of my son Joshua and my dad - Chuck we finished just 20 seconds under. Much slower than my younger body used to run but quite the accomplishment for me that day.

So now my husband and I have been training for this November 28th in Seattle. We've done 5 long runs in preperation for the event. Each Saturday we do a long run they have been as follows: 10 miles, 13.1 miles, 14 miles, 11 miles and an 8 miler. Our last run the 8 mile run was more exciting than the others in the fact that winter decided to descend upon us early. We had our first northeast wind and snow.

The view out our front door the night before our training run day. Gusting snow, our car is barely visible!

We decided to drive to a local forested park to get out of the wind. So we ran loops in the park for about 2 hrs. in 3 inches of snow. It's the first time I've ran that long in snow. It was great. The temps. were in the high 20's. So much fun. So now we only have just under a week till race day. Hopefully it will be a little warmer than Saturday and just as much fun as our training runs have been.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Sometimes I get discouraged about how people in this world treat each other. Do we treat people we come into contact with as someone of value and treat them with respect? Do we bestow upon them the care and concern that we would like to be shown to us. When I speak do I choose my words wisely, knowing that they can have a great impact on others, either positively or negatively? I have the ability everyday to impact someones life positively, I have often failed the mark in this quest. I have lofty goals about how I want to be on this earth, and how I want to have a genuine connection with others. Sometimes in this quest for making a difference in this world I realize my shortcomings get in the way. If I could live my life over, I would never say a cruel or hurtful word to anyone - I would never physically strike out at another person, whether it be justified (in my mind) because of anger in a situation, or pain in my life. The words and actions we say and do in this life are here forever in peoples souls. My quest is to be a loving, caring, empathetic, encouraging, supportive person to others. How will I achieve this? One step at a time, one word at a time, and always with a forgiving heart, a heart that I hope others will have for me when I fail in this quest.

Music always speaks to me.

One song that stays with me is Nick Lowe's "What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding.
Here are the words:

As I walk through this wicked world
Searching for light in the darkness of insanity
I ask myself is all hope lost
Is there only pain and hatred and misery
And each time I feel like this inside
Just one thing I wanna know
What's So Funny bout Peace, Love, and Understanding oh
What's So Funny bout Peace, Love, and Understanding

As I walk on through troubled times
My spirit gets so down hearted sometimes
So where are the strong who are the trusted
And where is the harmony sweet harmony
Cause each time I feel it slippin' away
Just makes me want to cry
What's So Funny bout Peace, Love, and Understanding oh
What's So Funny bout Peace, Love, and Understanding

So where are the strong who are the trusted
And where is the harmony sweet harmony
Cause each time I feel it slippin' away
Just makes me want to cry
What's So Funny bout Peace, Love, and Understanding oh
What's So Funny bout Peace, Love, and Understanding
What's So Funny bout Peace, Love, and Understanding

Johnny Reid's "Today I'm going to try and change the world".
Here are the words:

Today I'm gonna try and change the world
Gonna take it one day at a time
I've made my resolution
I've opened up my eyes
Today I'm gonna try and change the world

I'm gonna say hello to my neighbor
Greet him with a smile
Shake the hand of a stranger
Sit and talk for a while
Tell someone I love them
From the bottom of my heart
Today I'm gonna try and change the world

(Repeat chorus)

Gonna make sure my children
Know there's a right and wrong
I'll never turn my back
On those of us who need someone
I'm gonna try to see myself
Through another's eyes
Today I'm gonna try and change the world

(Repeat chorus)

Today I'm gonna try and change the world
Today I'm gonna try and change the world
Not for me, but for those I'll leave behind
I've made my resolution
Change it one day at time
Today I'm gonna try and change the world

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~ I believe that every person born on this earth is a relevant, impactful presence here. When each of us was born we permanently changed history. We are not just a speck that passes unseen. Our very existence leaves a mark whether it be in a person or just as a footprint on the earths' surface. The earth is different because we exist. We are marked in our loved ones and friends souls.

Joseph Epstein once said, "We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents, or the country of birth. We do not, most of us, choose to die; nor do we choose the time and conditions of our death. But within this realm of choicelessness, we do choose how we live"